I found lots of tool storage plans that weren’t really portable toolboxes… I’ll be doing a separate post for them.

>> Top 3 “Notable” Toolbox Plans
1) Most… Innovative? ToolBox:
I can’t imagine anyone actually using this, except maybe if Tage Frid showed up for some on-site chair repair ;)From the designers: “This unique toolbox includes sides and ends that incorporate a wavelike theme. The corners are assembled with box joints and the bottom panel is fitted into a groove that runs around the entire periphery of the toolbox.” Unfortunately there’s no actual plan, just a description of how the “unique toolbox” is put together.

2) Handiest ToolBox: The Tool Tote by Gary M. Katz
The Gary Katz Tool Tote bumped the “Tool Tote, Tab and Slot” from the “handiest tool box” position (see it below). Why? Read all the problems Katz solved with his creation: “I needed something I could organize and something I could stand on, something that would get me to the very top of a 6/8 door, something that would help me reach the pins on an 8 ft. door, something that would let me see over the top shelf in a closet. And I wanted something I could sit on, too, while chiseling tricky mortises in a jamb or drinking a cup of coffee on a break.”

It’s a well organized tool carrier + step stool + place to sit and drink coffee. Somebody stop me I’m about to jump up from this computer and build one right this minute… (thanks to PutnamEco who suggested this toolbox in the comments below)

4) The “Overachiever” Tool Box: Tool Tote Sawhorses“These sawhorses feature a convenient bin in the base for storing tools, clamps, and other items. And the divided upper tray is a great place to keep often-used hardware and hand tools organized and within easy reach. But here’s the best part — you can adjust the top of the sawhorse up and down.” – Thanks to PutnamEco for telling me about the Tool Tote Sawhorses… they are SWEET! But will the adjustable height function still work in six months? Who cares! These get an A+++ for AWESOME.Tool Tote Sawhorses

This has inspired me to build my own tool storage. I have been checking out those rolling steel drawer cabinet things and realized I could probably build one cheaper and simpler. Plans are basically done but actual construction unfortunately has to wait a bit because of higher-priority projects.